Summary: I chose the FSA Compact shallow-drop bars as I could never find a comfortable drop position on my "anatomical" drop bars, and this has turned out to be a great move! The carbon seems to dull vibration nicely, and I reckon I'll play with some bar gel to improve feel further. If you only find yourself in the drops for brief periods, then perhaps shallow (traditional bend) bars are the go. I got these from an online ebay shop based in Taiwan for only AUS$128 plus $20 shipping, and they arrived in 4 days! Great deal.
Strengths: Light weight (relatively). Great looking. Ideal drop position for me - suddenly I'm spending all my time on the drops!!
Weaknesses: Be careful with sizing!! FSA measure width centre to centre on the drops, which flare out slightly. This means that 42's will be 42 c-c on drops but only 40 c-c at hoods!!
Similar Products Used: Ritchey WCS anatomic drop bars
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Summary: I bought the K-force carbon compact bar 40cm. I had no idea how much vibration dampening it would do ~ awesome is all I cna say. I wanted compact bars and these seemed like a good shape for me, I bought them, had them installed and it has made a huge difference in both dampening of th eroad vibration and the shape is wonderful for me. A+
Strengths: Nice shape, great at dampening road vib, and of course carbon is very pretty.
Weaknesses: Price was steep but this is an add on worth every cent.
Similar Products Used: Fsa alloy
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: Colnago Master XL, DA, Ksyrium SL3 Tubular
Summary: I went around and grabbed as many bars as I could to get a feel for what was going to work for me. I tried something like 25 different bars. These felt the best all around. After mounting them, and putting about 1,000 miles in so far with them, they feel really good. I got them 44cm wide. They are light, absorb the little vibrations, and give me all the hand positions I need. I work the entire bar during rides, that way I lessen hand fatique. Very happy with my choice.
Strengths: Light, stiff, very comfortable, with just the right amount of dampening.
Weaknesses: The "Carbon Fragility" Just don't let your ride fall over on them.
Similar Products Used: TTT, Deda, Cinelli, Bontrager, ITM
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Bike Setup: 2006 Trek Pilot 2.1 WSD.. mods incl these bars, pz race stem, sette race ti saddle, look keo pedals.
Summary: I got these bars to replace the too narrow bontrager bars that came on my trek And i love them! Buy them on ebay and the price doesn't hurt so much.
Strengths: Super Light
Weaknesses: None
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Favorite Ride: Bicycles, bicycles, bicycles (not necessarily in that order)
Bike Setup: Serotta Nove, Ultegra, FSA, Nuevation, et al
Summary: As stated in my review of the K-Wings, these suite my riding style better than the shaped bars which dictate your hand positions a bit more. I prefer the round bar shape and the fact that I can move through an infinite number of positions from the top to the hoods without running into any funky shape transitions. They do feel a bit stiffer than the K-Wing, but still absorb the road buzz.
Somewhat off topic, I bought these from Full Cycles and believe it's the second product I've purchase from them. It's also the second time they made me feel like I was there most important customer. Their prices rock, and their customer service is just the best. Thanks guys!
Strengths: Quality, lack of flex, buzz absorbant, traditional round bar with up to date ergo drops
Weaknesses: None as yet
Similar Products Used: 3TTT, Easton, FSA K-Wing, BPC (Banded Pasta Composite)
Would you like to Comment? Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
5 of 5
5 of 5
